European Tour stars praise course at The Grove after British Masters
Tuesday 18 October 2016 11:44, UK
Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell were among the European Tour stars to heap praise on The Grove after the venue hosted the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.
The Hertfordshire venue received lots of positive comments for the condition, preparation and set-up of its golf course during tournament week, where Alex Noren claimed a two-shot victory.
"I thought The Grove was a spectacular venue," McDowell said after this final round. "This golf tournament has reestablished as one of the premiere events on The European Tour and everything was made for a great week this week.
Former British Masters champion Westwood, who ended the week as the highest-placed Briton in third spot, added: "Visually, The Grove is a spectacular golf course.
"If you are hitting the ball well, it gives you a lot of birdie chances and certainly on the few times I have been here, the course has been in fantastic condition. This week is no different."
The course was hosting its first European Tour event since the 2006 WGC-American Express Championship, where Tiger Woods claimed a record-breaking eight-shot win.
Former Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal made his return to competitive action at The Grove this week after an 18-month injury lay-off, having finished tied-22nd in the WGC a decade ago.
"I have to say that the course is in pristine condition," the Spaniard said. The fairways are firm, the greens are firm and the ball rolls really well. The playing conditions couldn't be better."
More than 53,000 spectators visited the Kyle Phillips-designed layout, including nearly 17,000 for the opening round, with large crowds braving the early heavy rain to see Noren see out victory on Sunday.
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"The hotel is great, it's the best players' lounge we've had this year on The European Tour," Shane Lowry said after ending tied-41st. "The hotel rooms are amazing and everyone's been great. I really enjoyed it."
